→ How can quantum cryptography be used to protect an election against hacking or accidental data corruption?
Introduction Election interference and broader campaigns targeting democratic processes are facilitated by easy access to tools and capabilities embedded in social media and, more nefariously, hosted in the so-called dark web. Studies have indicated the expanding role played by social bots (automated, inauthentic accounts) in election campaigns, although their impact is difficult to measure. At the very least, they can serve to distort opinion, silence minority groups and artificially boost the views of fringe actors and groups. Canada and Germany are like-minded global partners who champion common values and interests that are foundational to bolstering human rights, democracy and the rule of law, as well as international peace and security. With the significant uncertainty surrounding the advances in emerging technologies, coupled with the surge in disinformation and cyberthreats, there is an inherent need to strengthen our capacity to prevent the spread of malicious cyber activities by foreign actors. Together, Canada and Germany can help build global expertise and understanding on these issues by fostering best practices and measures that build trust and confidence between the two states and beyond. This special report was the result of a research project conducted in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Canada. It focuses on advancing policy-relevant thinking related to social media platforms, foreign interference, the (potential) impact of nextgeneration technology and their interplay with democratic institutions through a combined Canadian and German lens. The project brought together a diverse and interdisciplinary network of scholars and practitioners who are at the forefront of studying the effects of emerging technology on society and politics.
→ What are the various modalities for attributing a cyber operation to a state under international law? → What are Canada and Germany doing (or not doing) to protect against foreign interference within the domestic legislative landscape? → What are the strategies and lessons learned from social media platform transparency, authenticity and integrity measures that have been implemented to, ostensibly, combat the spread of mis- and disinformation during an election? → What is the role of intelligence in addressing foreign threats to democracy? How does the intelligence community, traditionally known for secrecy, engage the public on these threats? → What actionable recommendations can be made to policy makers to increase resilience of electoral processes and infrastructure moving forward?
Summary of Key Findings
Given the rapid changes to the technological and geopolitical landscape, this project focused on several interrelated key research questions for exploration. These included, but were not limited to:
The rise of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation powered by big data is amplifying the threats posed by malign actors with an intent to use cyber tools and capabilities to interfere with electoral systems and democratic processes on a global scale. Canada and Germany, like many Western democracies, are potential targets of adversarial state actors, domestic agitators, commercially motivated groups, or other non-state actors that might wish to interfere with or attempt to undermine our democratic processes and values. As threats continue to emerge and become more insidious, nations need to strengthen and innovate in their approach to defending against and mitigating the risks posed by foreign interference.
→ What are the existing and next-generation technologies and tools being deployed to inflict harm on our democracies and democratic institutions?
This special report explores the impact of current and next-generation technology on elections through a combined Canadian and German lens, while also providing recommendations
Next-Generation Technology and Electoral Democracy: Understanding the Changing Environment
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